Wildlife Tracking - Friday Night Talk
2024-02-23 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | SOU Science Building, 1250 Ashland St., Ashland, OR, 97520, United States
Never look at footprints in the snow the same! Join naturalist and amateur tracker Nolan Richard for a Wildlife Tracking Hike and Learn with the Friends of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. This class will focus on local mammal species and how to identify their tracks, trails, signs, and scats. You will also be given the tools and knowledge to begin tracking on your own.
This hike-and-learn is appropriate for both beginners to tracking and those looking to continue to brush up their skills! You never know what kind of animal signs we will stumble across!
Friday night will include a PowerPoint overview of the Basics of identifying track and sign, while the hike on Saturday will test your knowledge in the field and allow us to really focus on whatever species we find evidence of. It is not necessary to attend both events.
Nolan Richard is a Biology Teacher at South Medford High School and currently holds a Level 3 Track and Sign Certificate from Cybertracker International.
The Friday Night Lecture will take place at the SOU Science Building in room 161 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Friends of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument is a nonprofit organization, and our mission is to support the protection, restoration and conservation of the monument through service, advocacy and education. Our Hike-and-Learn programs are designed to introduce the public to different topics and locations within the Monument. Hike-and-Learns are co-created with local scientists, historians, artists, students, and more.

Wildlife Tracking – Saturday Hike
2024-02-24 09:00 - 14:00 | Rite Aid, 2341 Ashland St, Ashland, 97520
We will meet at 9 a.m. at the Rite Aid in Ashland and make our way into the Monument from there. Carpooling is optional.
Never look at footprints in the snow the same! Join naturalist and amateur tracker Nolan Richard for a Wildlife Tracking Hike-and-Learn with the Friends of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. This class will focus on local mammal species and how to identify their tracks, trails, signs, and scats. You will also be given the tools and knowledge to begin tracking on your own.
This hike-and-learn is appropriate for both beginners to tracking and those looking to continue to brush up their skills! You never know what kind of animal signs we will stumble across!
Friday night will include a PowerPoint overview of the Basics of identifying track and sign, while the hike on Saturday will test your knowledge in the field and allow us to really focus on whatever species we find evidence of. It is not necessary to attend both events.
Nolan Richard is a Biology Teacher at South Medford High School and currently holds a Level 3 Track and Sign Certificate from Cybertracker International.
The Friends of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument’s mission is to support the protection, restoration and conservation of the Monument through service, advocacy and education. Our Hike and Learn programs are designed to introduce the public to different topics and locations within the Monument. Hike and Learns are co-created with local scientists, historians, artists, students, and more.

What's at Stake
2024-02-24 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-02-27 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-02-28 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-02-29 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-03-01 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-03-02 10:00 - 16:00 | Schneider Museum of Art, 555 Indiana Street, Ashland, OR, 97520, United States
Southern Oregon University’s Schneider Museum of Art (SMA) reopens at 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, with a new exhibition, “What’s at Stake.”
Curated by Catharine Clark, owner and founding director of Catharine Clark Gallery in San Francisco, this exhibition will feature artists Zeina Barakeh, Al Farrow, and Masami Teraoka. This compelling exhibition explores the urgent issues of our time, delving into the mechanisms of war and colonialism while interrogating the unpredictability and legitimacy of armed conflict. It will be on view through March 23, 2024.
“What’s at Stake” sheds light on the devastating impacts of war, human rights violations, and environmental collapse, compelling viewers to pause and reflect on our collective responsibility to one another. The exhibition raises essential questions about the consequences when violence goes unchecked and challenges us to consider what is truly at stake in a world grappling with these pressing issues.
SMA Executive Director Scott Malbaurn shared, “During a recent trip to San Francisco with museum members, we visited solo exhibitions at Catharine Clark Gallery featuring Masami Teraoka, Al Farrow, and Zeina Barakeh. Recognizing the common theme of exploring the impact of war, especially for artists raised in wartime milieus like Teraoka and Barakeh alongside the sculpture of Al Farrow, which are assembled with war time munitions, we decided to present these shows collectively as “What’s at Stake.” This group exhibition becomes a poignant question and statement, resonating with contemporary violent events that seem to be happening all of the time globally.”
An opening reception will take place 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11. Curator Catharine Clark and select artists will be in attendance. The opening reception is free and open to the public; complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres will be provided. The Museum will be closed on Saturday, Jan. 13 for a private event.
New Masterworks on Loan and Highlights from the Permanent Collection will also be on view in the Entry Gallery. Museum hours will be Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is always free, but a $5 donation is suggested.
What:
Schneider Museum of Art presents: “What’s at Stake
Free, and open to the public. Suggested $5 donation.
When:
Exhibition on view: January 11 – March 23, 2024; Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Opening Reception: Thursday, January 11, 2024, 5 to 7 p.m.
The Museum will be closed on Saturday, January 13, 2024, for a private event.
Where:
Schneider Museum of Art, Southern Oregon University
555 Indiana Street | Ashland, OR 97520
Free one hour parking is available directly behind the Museum.

Central Point Woodcarvers
2024-02-24 11:30 - 15:00, 2024-03-02 11:30 - 15:00 | Woodcarving, 123 N St, Central Point, OR, 97502, United States
The Central Point Woodcarvers carving group meets from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays at the Central Point Senior Resource Center, 123 N. Second St., Central Point.
There is a fee of $10 per month, or $55 a year if paid annually.
We teach and share ideas for beginners, novices, and intermediate woodcarvers. The various members do several styles of woodcarving. Recommended beginning tool sets are available for purchase. Please call Ron Chappell 541-944-4535 for more information.

Rotary Club of Ashland Lithia Springs 2024 Crabfest
2024-02-24 17:00 - 21:30 | SOU Stevenson Union, 1118 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR, 97520, United States
The Rotary Club of Ashland Lithia Springs will host its 2024 Crabfest event from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at Southern Oregon University’s Stevenson Union, 1118 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland.
Tickets start at $75.
Visit onecau.se/crabfest or text 243725.

Sunday Service: The Blessing of Discomfort
2024-02-25 10:30 - 11:30 | Unitarian Universalist Fellowship 87 4th Street, Ashland, 87 4th Street, Ashland, OR, 97520
The desire for comfort is very human. It is related to our needs for shelter, food, and security. We hope for well-being to be consistent and our comfort constant. But when does comfort become a liability? If we are also meant to be growing and changing, can we also stay comfortable? What are the possible blessings of discomfort.
“The opposite of faith is not doubt, but certainty. Certainty is missing the point entirely. Faith includes noticing the mess, the emptiness and discomfort, and letting it be there until some light returns.” – Anne Lamott
Attend in person or watch live or recorded on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@roguevalleyunitarianuniver8871

Our Western Monarch Butterflies: What Happened and Why Should We Care?
2024-02-25 13:00 - 14:30 | Talent Library
In 2019, the total known population of Western Monarchs plummeted to a scant 20,500 – a 99.4% loss in the last 20 years, followed by another ten-fold drop to less than 2,000! What happened and why? What can we do to help?
The presentation by Robert Coffan of Southern Oregon Monarch Advocates will include an introduction to the iconic monarch butterfly, some of the issues that plague our migrating western population, and share what we can do to help restore monarch habitat and help many other pollinators throughout the seasons.

Intermediate Tai Chi for Older Adults
2024-02-26 09:30 - 10:45 | The Grove, 1195 E Main St, Ashland, OR, 97520, United States
Tai Chi is a moving meditation that strengthens bones and muscles, improves balance and increases flexibility. Qi Gong, the movement of energy through the body, is also incorporated.
Pre-registration required: ashland.or.us/register or 541.488.5342.

Gentle Yoga for Older Adults
2024-02-26 10:30 - 11:30 | Ashland Senior Center, 1699 Homes Avenue, Ashland, OR, 97520, United States
The focus of this one-hour hatha yoga class is to increase strength, flexibility and balance while simultaneously alleviating stress and fatigue. Additional benefits of regular yoga practice include an overall sense of well-being and an increase in self-awareness and self-acceptance. Participants must be aware of their own capabilities in order to participate safely. Ability to get up and down from the floor is required. Each class will conclude with deep relaxation. Ages 50 & up.
$20 per month-long session ($5/class)

Line dancing for older adults
2024-02-26 13:00 - 14:30 | The Grove, 1195 E Main St, Ashland, OR, 97520, United States
Get active through dance! Line Dance is a choreographed dance in which participants line up in rows and follow a repeated sequence of steps to music. It is a great way to keep your brain on its toes!
Line dancing enhances balance, provides fitness and strength and improves mental acuity through complex movement. No partner is required. Pre-registration required: ashland.or.us/register or 541-488-5342.

Severe Weather Overnight Shelter
2024-02-26 17:00 - 2024-02-27 09:00, 2024-02-29 17:00 - 2024-03-01 09:00, 2024-03-01 17:00 - 2024-03-02 09:00, 2024-03-02 17:00 - 2024-03-03 09:00 | Ashland Street Shelter, 2200 Ashland St., Ashland, OR, 97520, United States
The Ashland emergency severe weather shelter at 2200 Ashland St. will open at 5 p.m.
The doors close and lights go out by 10 p.m.
The shelter closes at 9 a.m. the next morning.
This is a low barrier, no frill, overnight shelter for anyone needing to get out of the cold.
The shelter is managed by OHRA (Opportunities for Housing Resources and Assistance), which will coordinate and staff with OHRA employees and volunteers. OHRA can be reached at 541-631-2235.
To receive notifications when the severe weather shelter opens in Ashland, text 97520SHELTER to 888777.
To volunteer for the shelter, call 541-220-7307 or email avramsacks@gmail.com.

Gavin Frye will discuss his new book – "The Real You: Leading Your Life From Your Authentic Self"
2024-02-26 19:00 - 20:00 | Bloomsbury Books, 290 E. Main St., Ashland, OR, 97520, United States
This groundbreaking exploration of the Authentic Self flows from Gavin’s 45 years of experience as a licensed spiritual therapist and leadership mentor to entrepreneurs.
“The Real You” is a comprehensive work that illuminates and makes accessible the universal path of the Authentic Self. It incorporates an in-depth understanding of trauma through the prism of the false self, and makes the bold claim that one can only find joy and fulfillment by embracing and transcending the false self. This path of inner work is also immensely relevant on a macro level, for as we own our Soul’s curriculum, we are empowered to solve the major challenges unfolding in the world around us.
In addition to briefly reading from his new book, “THE REAL YOU: Leading Your Life From Your Authentic Self,” this dynamic talk will inform and inspire you into new levels of self-leadership, and will include time for 1-on-1 personalized mentoring. Gavin brings 40 years experience as a spiritual therapist and leadership mentor for entrepreneurs. He will guide you in learning essential keys for facilitating empowerment within self and others:
– Transforming imposter syndrome, people pleasing, insecurity around self-promotion, and self-doubt into genuine confidence
– Approaching entrepreneurship as an opportunity to mature in leadership
– Embracing the multi-dimensional nature of your inner life and learn the unifying craft of facilitating empowering internal dialogue
– Connecting with your intuition through self-observation and trust
– Liberating your authentic voice in the day-to-day activities of your chosen profession
During the talk, you’ll be invited to see your current business expression as a powerful mirror and ally to your growth. You can choose to embrace the idea that challenges in business invariably invite you towards new levels of personal and business evolution.
With time for group sharing, the skills and wisdom Gavin presents are designed to support you in practicing new tools for compassionate self-reflection, cultivating creativity, and steadily accomplishing your goals.

From Wasteful to Resourceful: How to Uplevel Recycling by Jamie Rosenthal
2024-02-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Rogue Valley Metaphysical Library, 1757 Ashland St., Ashland, 97520
When curbside recycling began in the 1970s, it was simple and easy to do, but a lot has changed in the last fifty years. Learn what happened to recycling, what to expect the future of recycling in Oregon to look like, how to prevent waste locally, what more can be done.
You will also find out where local resources exist beyond our curbside recycling carts, for those more challenging materials – such as batteries, mattresses, compost, metal, and hazardous waste. Jaime will also share creative ways to use different items that otherwise could end up in the landfill.
Jamie Rosenthal was born and raised in a small coastal town in Oregon, then put roots down in Ashland to earn her Bachelors of Science in human communication, and to play collegiate volleyball, for the Southern Oregon University Raiders.
Jamie has lived, worked, raised a handful of pets and even a soon-to-be Ashland High School graduate here in Ashland for the last 26 years. She’s a member of Ashland’s Climate & Energy Policy Advisory Committee, a Jackson County Master Recycler and active in the Oregon Recycling & Refuse Association (ORRA), as well as the Association of Oregon Recyclers (AOR).
FREE ADMISSION – 1757 Ashland St., Ashland, OR. One mile west of I-5 Exit 14

The Human Cost of the Cannabis Industry
2024-02-29 16:00 - 17:00 | Ashland Library, 410 Siskiyou Boulevard, Ashland, OR, 97520, United States
Unete Program Coordinator Kathy Keesee will provide an in-depth presentation about the local impact of cannabis in our valley, worker experiences, and the human cost of it all, focusing on migrant workers.
For more information about Unete Center for Farm Worker Advocacy, visit: https://uneteoregon.org/

Free nature talk on insects
2024-02-29 18:00 - 19:30 | Grape Street Bar & Grill, 31 S. Grape St., Medford, OR, 97501, United States
The Southern Oregon Land Conservancy will host a free nature talk on insects from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 29, at the Grape Street Bar & Grill, 31 S. Grape St., Medford.
Entitled “Leaps and Legs,” the talk will feature a panel of experts providing a glimpse into the tiny but far-reaching world that surrounds us, one that is also declining in size and scope. Insects provide essential services as decomposers, pollinators, and food web sustainability.
The event is open to the public, and all ages are welcome. Registration is not necessary, but early arrival is recommended. Call 541-482-3069 or email info@landconserve.org for more information.

What's the Big Deal about Gas? An Interactive Workshop
2024-02-29 18:00 - 20:00 | UCC Ashland, 717 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, 97520
What’s the big deal about gas? Why are gas-powered stoves, furnaces, dryers, and other household appliances being mentioned more frequently in conversations about public health? What does indoor air quality have to do with the climate crisis?
Join the interactive workshop “What’s the Big Deal about Gas?” to learn, discuss, and take action towards a fossil free future. The workshop will include hands-on activities, a short video screening, and art to explore the impacts of gas on our community. There will also be opportunities to take action with the Ashland Youth for Electrification Campaign to pass the Climate and Clean Air Policy Package in Ashland.

2024 Member Pop-Up Exhibition
2024-03-01 - 2024-03-24 | 88 North Main Street, Ashland, OR 97520, 88 North Main Street, Ashland, 97520
Art is a crucial part of our lives, bringing our community together physically and culturally through its ability to share relatable stories, inspire reflection, and form connections through engaging conversations.
When The Haines & Friends Visual Arts Grant Program temporarily acquired a vacant space in Downtown Ashland, their goal was to do just this… Collaborate with the Ashland Gallery Association to utilize the space in a creative and meaningful way by providing their members with a physical space to display and sell their artwork, as well as enhance our visual arts community as a whole.
The 2024 Member Pop-Up Exhibition, taking place from Friday, March 1, to Sunday, March 24, highlights the talented and diverse artwork of thirty local artists who are members of the Ashland Gallery Association. It will serve as a fundraising initiative to support the Ashland Gallery Association, with 50% of artwork sales being donated to the Ashland Gallery Association to support future programming and operations, and members receiving the other 50%.
Exhibition Dates:
Friday, March 1 – Sunday, March 24
Opening Reception:
Friday, March 1, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location and Hours:
88 North Main Street, Ashland, Oregon
Thursday – Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
More Information:
www.ashlandgalleries.com
www.hainesandfriends.org

March First Friday Art Walk!
2024-03-01 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Ashland, East Main Street, Ashland, OR, 97520, United States
Join us for First Friday Art Walk, held 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 1.
We’re excited to share a diverse array of wonderful artwork on display this month, created by our very talented artists. From eclectic visual delights, to interesting conversations, intimate music, and tasty treats, the experience continues to grow as you stroll through Downtown Ashland and visit each gallery and studio.
For a complete list of participating locations and a map, please visit the link below.
www.ashlandgalleries.com/pages/first-friday-artwalk

The Other Woman, A Teaching on Sukhasiddhi by Lama Sarah Harding
2024-03-01 18:00 - 2024-03-03 16:00 | Kagyu Sukha Choling, 109 Clear Creek Drive, Ashland, 97520
Khyungpo Naljor, the initiator of the Shangpa Kagyu lineage, received many teachings from the dakini Niguma. The other woman that Khyungpo Naljor encountered when searching in India for someone who had received direct teachings from Buddha as Vajradhara, was Sukhasiddhi.
Like Niguma, Sukhasiddhi was discovered in a graveyard, where she granted teachings and promised to bless all future Shangpa practitioners. Unlike Niguma, however, Sukhasiddhi played an important role in several other lineages, especially as a guru to Padampa Sangye in the Pacification (Tibetan: zhije) and Severance (Tibetan: chöd) traditions. If possible, she is even more elusive than Sister Niguma.
We will explore Sukhasiddhi’s story and those many lineage connections, and then focus on Sukhasiddhi’s Introduction to Mahamudra. This was a teaching revealed to Sangye Nyentön (also known as Rigongpa), the sixth of the original “Seven Jewels” of the Shangpa one-to-one lineage. Using supporting materials from source texts, we will begin to learn the practice.
Sarah Harding has been studying and practicing Buddhism since 1974, and has been teaching and translating since completing a three-year retreat in 1980 under the guidance of Kyabjé Kalu Rinpoché. She was associate professor at Naropa University for twenty-five years in Boulder, Colorado, where she currently resides, and has been a fellow of the Tsadra Foundation since 2000. She specializes in literature with a focus on tantric practice. Her publications include Creation and Completion; The Treasury of Knowledge: Esoteric Instructions; Niguma, Lady of Illusion; and two volumes on Chö and Shijé from The Treasury of Precious Instructions.
A weekend retreat will be held March 1 – 3
Friday, March 1; 6 to 7 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, March 2 and 3; 10 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m.
In-person only

2024 Southern Oregon Polar Plunge for Special Olympics
2024-03-02 09:00 - 14:00 | Rogue Valley Country Club, 2660 Hillcrest Drive, Medford, OR, 97504, United States
Get ready to make a splash with the Annual Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Oregon! This fun, zany fundraising event is your chance to step out of your comfort zone by jumping into an unforgettable experience that directly impacts the lives of Special Olympics Oregon athletes. The Polar Plunge event fuels children, youth, and adults with disabilities, by providing support for athlete training, sports equipment, travel, and fitness goals — leading up to all-inclusive participation in regional, national, and international competitions for more than 5,000 participants statewide.
The Southern Oregon Polar Plunge is where local organizations team up to literally a “plunge” into the unheated, outdoor pool at the Rogue Valley Country Club. Funds raised support athletes right here in Klamath, Josephine, and Jackson counties and across Oregon. As a fundraiser, it is $50 per person to plunge.
But have no fear, if cold water isn’t your thing, you can support the cause by volunteering, donating, sponsoring a team, or just attend the event as a spectator — all without touching the water!
Feeling brave? Let’s go! Get your team together today – and see why we’re freezin’ for a reason! Teams of families, friends, colleagues, and co-workers can participate. Make up a fun team name, and don’t forget the costume contest! Prizes will be awarded on the day of the event. You can also participate as an individual, organization, church, school, or as a business team building activity.
Free to attend as a spectator. Sponsorship opportunities available. $50 per person to take the plunge. No limits on team sizes. All participants age 7 and above welcome. Volunteer and organization tabling opportunities available. Contact soplunge@soor.org for more details.

Madrone Trail Public Charter School 80s-themed auction
2024-03-02 17:00 - 19:00 | Historic Ashland Armory, 208 Oak St., Ashland, 97520
Madrone Trail Public Charter School invites you to up the volume on nostalgia, crank the neon to eleven, and join us at our totally righteous 80s-themed benefit auction, held at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 2, at the Ashland Armory!
Picture this: you in your raddest 80s threads, gobbling up the costume competition like Pac-Man, chowing down on a nostalgic candy spread and Chinese buffet a lá Chef Nick, and music so electric you’ll swear you’re in a John Hughes movie. It’s going to be the event of the year! You won’t want to be stuck at home watching reruns of Alf when you could be dancing the night away with all the local rock stars who (like you) rule the days of big hair and boom boxes.
Tickets are selling faster than a DeLorean hitting 88 mph, so grab yours ASAP.
Dust off your legwarmers, tease up that hair, brush up on your moonwalk, and let’s make this 80s auction a blast from the past!
